The Metropolitan of Beirut, Elias Audi, insisted on Lebanon’s need for a president. He also said that the president must commit himself and his government to strengthen institutions and appoint competent people to key posts, “without favoritism or nepotism so that each official can fulfill his duty in the general interest.”
During his homily, Bishop Audi recalled the potential for productivity and creativity enjoyed by Lebanon and the Lebanese people. “However, for decades, we have seen only those who violate the sovereignty of the nation turn it into an instrument for their ambitions or interests. Those who murder thinkers and defenders of freedom and plunge the country into wars despite the will of the majority,” he continued.
He recalled that the Lebanese are very talented but cannot exploit their talents, which leads them not to exercise them or to emigrate because of those “who drive them to despair after having closed all the doors in front of them,” according to Audi, speaking of Lebanese officials.
